‘Offensive
of Mercy’: Cardinal Parolin on Paris attacks
(Vatican Radio) Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican
Secretary of State, has granted an interview to France’s Catholic newspaper La
Croix, saying “in this world torn by violence, now is the right time to launch
an offensive of mercy”
In the interview with La Croix newspaper, Cardinal Parolin spoke
about the terrorist attacks which took place in Paris on Friday, calling the
upcoming Jubilee Year of Mercy the perfect opportunity to mobilize “all
spiritual resources to provide a positive response to evil”.
“It is understandable that after the attacks there are feelings
of revenge,” he said, “but we must fight against this urge. The Pope wants the
Jubilee to help people see eye-to-eye, understand one another, and overcome
hatred. After these attacks, this goal is strengthened. We receive the mercy of
God to adopt this attitude toward others. The Merciful is also the most
beautiful name of God for Muslims, who could be involved in this holy year, as
the Holy Father desires.”
General mobilization needed
Turning to events following Friday’s attack, the Cardinal
Secretary of State said “As the Pope said, there is no justification for what
happened. It will take time to recover from such a terrible shock. I am touched
by the strength of the French authorities’ reactions. There is a desire in the
people to continue life there where the terrorists sought to interrupt and
crush it.”
“In reaction, what is needed is a general mobilization of
France, of Europe, and of the whole world. A mobilization of all means of
security, of police forces, and of information, to root out this evil of
terrorism. But also a mobilization which would involve all spiritual resources
to provide a positive response to evil. That passes through education to the
refutation of hatred, giving responses to the young people who leave for jihad.
There is a need to convoke all the actors, political and religious, national
and international. There is a great need to combat this together. Without this
union, this difficult battle will not be won. And it is necessary to involve
the Muslim community; they must be part of the solution.”
'Blind violence is intolerable'
When asked if the Holy Father still upholds his words from
August of 2014 that “it is licit to stop the unjust aggressor”, Cardinal
Parolin said “Yes, because blind violence is intolerable, whatever its origin
may be.”
He said, “The Pope cited the Catechism of the Catholic Church
which says ‘The defense of the common good requires that an unjust aggressor be
rendered unable to cause harm. For this reason, those who legitimately hold
authority also have the right to use arms to repel aggressors against the civil
community entrusted to their responsibility.’ This corresponds to the
legitimate defense of a State within its borders to protect its citizens and
repel terrorists. In occasion of a foreign intervention, it is necessary to
seek out legitimacy through the organizations which the international community
has given itself. Our role is to remember these conditions, not to specify
means to stop the aggressor.”
Pope’s Jubilee schedule unchanged
“What happened in France shows, in an even more powerful way,
that no one is excluded from terrorism. The Vatican could be a target because
of its religious significance. We can augment the level of security measures in
the Vatican and its surroundings, but they cannot paralyze us with fear.
Therefore, nothing will be changed in the Pope’s schedule,” Cardinal Parolin
affirmed.
(Devin Sean Watkins)
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